AN: So sorry for the delay. I would have posted this up earlier, if not my internet had decided to malfunction all this week. I do hope to post as often as time permits, but leisure time is often not present enough in my life. I do promise to update asap, and hope that what I do post will suffice for now. Don't forget to give a bit of feedback. It is all taken in with much delight.
3
Passing by a small store, Mary walked in. A small shelf of books sat in the far back, left untouched for the most part by others who had more imperative matters than that provided by literature. With one look at Mary, the store clerk behind the counter turned back to a deep conversation with a colorful girl, whose bonnet shielded her view from Mary. Too often had such gestures occurred that Mary had grown used to them over time, but at such a moment as this, when Mrs. Bennet was particularly pressing for her own engagement, this action caused a slap to her own complacence.
Mary soon leaned against a wall, reading a penny romance novel that had her flushed with exasperation for her own lack of such a feeling. She was not one to demand romance for herself, such high expectations would surely leave her to disappointment, but the men's adamant determination in their love was one which she wished to call her own. It seemed unfair to her to settle for a petty novel to have love in her life, though fictitious it may be, when the girl before her clad in a ridiculous bright dress much like her young, silly sisters, was receiving more attention than necessary from the store clerk.
"Do you like this novel?" a man interrupted her thoughts and caused her to look up from where she read. "My master, the one I work for, has an older sister that is staying at his estate. She always has her nose in such novels. I know not what may be the enjoyment received from such writing."
He was a boy, perhaps sixteen at the most, with fair, flaxen hair and a cowlick that allowed for shorter strands to fall into his face. His eyes were rather large- curious orbs of a piercing blue. Many could see that, given a few years, he would develop into very handsome features, which would undoubtedly provide him with affections in such an aesthetic society.
"I am not one to typically indulge myself in such literary trash, but there is no books of intellect provided here in which to enrich the mind. What business sends you here?"
"Business? I am here to deliver my master's sister back to London. He has stopped off in town briefly with her to leave me to produce my own means of engaging myself during their brief absence."
"If I may ask, what is your business with the man?"
"I do not come from a family of wealth, Miss." He was most reluctant to share his story, such was the way of his gregarious character. "And, being the younger son, the little fortune of my family is to proceed directly to my elder brother. I am resorted to indentured servitude, but I am grateful I have such a master with both compassion and the connecting to assist me with my own means of survival once I turn one and twenty."
"It seems your life be much order though, despite your circumstances."
"It is, and my experience has allowed me the acquaintance of many a great person. May I inquire as to the name of the maiden I have been conversing with? I apologize for not inquiring at an earlier time."
"It is quite alright," silly as the boy may be at times, his puerile behavior brought her joy. "I am Mary Bennet."
"Mary Bennet? It is a pleasure truly. I am…"
"Mary! Mary Bennet?"
The woman deep in conversation with the store clerk looked up and gasped. At first, her face was so distorted with mortification to make the porcelain skin, painted cheeks, and thick eyelashes of Margaret Gallagher identifiable and familiar.
"Margaret? Whatever brings you here? I thought you still at the tailor."
"My father believes me there," her eyebrows arched in suspicion. "He would only think otherwise if another gave him leave to think so."
"You need not worry of my own interference. I have no concern with your affairs."
"Are you not hoping to marry my father?"
"I certainly made no indication of such plans, and I did not think your father conveying any intentions either."
"That was the indication I received from observing your mother."
"Mama is merely quick to have her daughters married off. You need not worry, for I have no such intentions to comply to her wishes, though they grow tedious to me and I wish to rid myself of them."
"You were not half as bold at the ball in what you spoke of."
"Perhaps it is because I grow used to mama thrusting me into the world. I know not for this change in myself as well."
"My father is not one to toss me to society," she passed a pretty smile to the clerk. "But I believe I shall not have much trouble with it."
"I dare say you shall find it far too easy," Mary remarked.
"To be perfectly candid, I do!"
Laughing, she departed, to leave the clerk smug over her smiles and Mary to contemplate her words. Life seemed far more to one's advantage if one were handsome, and it vexed Mary at how simple girls like Margaret could turn men's heads with such interest.
"Pardon me for the intrusion," Mary apologized, thinking it to be the civil action.
"I do not mind. The lady seemed amiable."
"I suppose she does."
"I am William Cadaver," he bowed. "Perhaps next I return I may call?"
"If that would please you. All in town know of where my family resides."
"My master is back," he turned to a white and blue carriage that passed by the window and headed to the door. "I must be leaving, lest they depart without me. Thank you for indulging me with your company whilst I waited."
"It was a pleasure," Mary answered in a voice that did not even permit the clerk to hear her words.
Departing for home, Mary could not conceal her happiness in finally conversing with the other sex at last. Though he was younger than she and just as silly as half of her sisters in many manners, it was very pleasing for her to have any man, regardless of age, choose to converse with her and, in the most convincing manner, appear to be blithe and in full enjoyment of her company.
"Perhaps there may be hope for me if I am able to engage another in conversation in the most pleasing manner. There is hope." Mary grinned to herself. "Shall it ring true? There is hope."
4
"Mary!" Jane greeted her sister with enthusiasm and provided her with a warm hug. "It is so great to have you visit us. You are growing up so much! Are you growing out your hair?"
"Yes, I am." Mary replied. "I thought I should try something new in my life. It is all dreadfully the same, these past eighteen years."
"Well, I am sure your hair will look delightful when it reaches the length you desire." Jane smiled and led her up the stairs. "Mr. Bingley is awaiting you in the parlor, I believe. We have been looking forward to your arrival for some time, Mary."
"Well, I am glad that I arrived when I did." Mary gave her sister a sweet smile. "How have you been?"
"I never knew such happiness existed before," Jane laughed and grinned with as much glee as she did when Mr. Bingley had first proposed. "It all seems such a dream, married to Charles."
"You look like a dream… Jane." Mr. Bingley stood and walked to his wife. "And how have you been, Mary? Is there much new in Hertfordshire?"
"The Kings held a ball a fortnight ago," Mary told them. "Mama insisted I go."
"And did you have a pleasant time?"
"You know I never receive much enjoyment in balls, Jane." Mary responded. "I would much rather play the piano and sing, if papa would give me permission to do so."
"Netherfield Park has a very nice piano forte," Mr. Bingley informed. "You may, if you would like, play it. It does not very often get such attention.'
"Oh, please do, Mary. It has been so long since I have heard you play."
As all newlyweds, who still had much time left to become better acquainted and were currently enraptured in the perpetual splendor of love, Charles and Jane were victims if ever there were ones. Both had a pleasant air about them, and such similar tempers they were completely and utterly the other's counterpart. It seemed impossible, when in the presence of such pure and affectionate love as that between the two, to ever remain far from a feeling of happiness, and Mary could not deny the joy she felt when in their company.
"I am very glad to be here."
"And we are very glad to have you here," Mr. Bingley replied.
"I do not recall the last time I received encouragement in playing," Mary smiled. "It is so nice to be away from home, if only for a sennight."
"Is that it?" Jane questioned. "But you must visit Lizzie, Mary. She will wish to see you are well."
"We are to depart for Pemberley in a fortnight," Mr. Bingley said. "Perhaps you extend your visit at Netherfield and join us at Pemberley for another fortnight?"
"Mama is expecting me back."
"I am sure mama would not mind so much."
"I suppose she would have no objections," Mary agreed. "She shall have peace at home, at last. I believe that is all she is up to at the moment."
"Mama only worries that she shall not have us in a comfortable home before papa dies," Jane answered in defense. "You must not be so harsh on her, Mary."
"I do try, but it seems so irrational of her to aim at me finding such a match as you and Lizzie did. She is aiming far too high for me, and I shall never be in wedlock with such high expectations."
"You are a lovely girl, Mary." Jane took her hands in her own. "Never believe you are any less of a woman than you are."
"I do not think I shall, but oft times enough, I lose patience as mama does in the matter."
"Do not give up," Jane reassured. "There is a man out there for you."
"I would be happy if I were so lucky to have half of a man as great as Mr. Bingley," Mary remarked, looking over at her brother-in-law. "But providence does not permit it at this time, nor any other."
"What are your plans whilst at Netherfield?" Mr. Bingley inquired.
"Read some books. Play the piano. Most particularly, savor the time away from home."
"You would not like to attend any balls? I am sure, at least once we embark to Pemberley, that you would like to go. You may spend the evening with Georgiana. She shall be very honored to have your company for the night."
"Unless I become as handsome as my sisters overnight, I shall not bother wasting my time." Mary replied candidly. "I meant not to be rude, Mr. Bingley."
"Please, I am your brother now, you may call me Charles." Mr. Bingley smiled. "You need not feel pressured. You may come when you are ready."
"I do wish you would go out more, Mary. You are a beautiful girl."
"You are my sister, Jane, and required to say it."
"I say it not because I feel inclined but because I love you and feel you deserve the truth."
"You, who thinks good of all the world? Perhaps I should be more like you, Jane."
"Never," Jane shook her head. "Mary, dearest, you should feel no obligation to change to satisfy others. I love you for who you are. You are my sister, and whatever befalls you, I shall stand beside you."
"I do appreciate having a sister like you, truly I do." Mary grinned. "It is so dreadfully hard to think ill of anyone, when in your presence, Jane. You are the most perfect being that has ever been in my acquaintance."
"I am no angel, Mary."
"You look like one, if ever I saw an angel." Mary sighed. "Perhaps I shall play for you both now?"
"Yes, I believe we have waited long enough." Mr. Bingley walked ahead to lead the way. "I am sure you shall be delighted in the piano as much as we shall be delighted by your playing. It is entirely yours during your stay at Netherfield."
"I am so glad to have Mr. Bingley… Charles… into the family," Mary told her sister as they linked arms down the hall. "He is so very agreeable, and I cannot think of another man who is so affable a husband. You are so very fortunate to have him."
"Yes, I know." Jane laughed to herself again, lost once more in her situation. "I am sure none should know of how fortunate it is to be married to such a wonderful man as do I, except, perhaps, Elizabeth. But you shall see for yourself, in due time."
"Elizabeth?" Mary joined in Jane's laughter. "I do believe I shall be having a very pleasant trip indeed."